2023 Summer Miles #5

 

As coaches we want each athlete that trains to enjoy their running. It’s the simplest but also the most important principle. That may mean that at times you back off or mix up your approach to training. By focusing on the process rather than results, you WILL see improvement as you run consistently.

So, what are the key benefits of running consistently? And why is consistency so important when you want to become a better runner? 

Well, consistency is something that I think is key to improving as a runner. 

1. Why Do You Want to Run? 

So why do you want to run? What is the real driver that will get you up and out running? That is a very crucial question that some runners really struggle to answer. 

Having a strong why when things aren’t going so well is the aspect within yourself that will quite get you up running when you perhaps don’t feel like it and is a crucial contributor to a runner being a more consistent runner. 

2. How Do You Do Your Running? 

So, what’s the routine? What’s the structure that is going to support you to become a more consistent runner?  If you run more consistently, you will increase your stamina because your body adapts to running. Because of that, you will improve your stamina. 

Now, of course, there is a caveat here. You’ve got to make sure that you are running at a level that gives you some resistance so that you increase your stamina. So, run smart and listen to your body. Begin small if you’re new to running and be consistent. And you will find that if, for example, you can only run for 10 minutes, that if you’re running two times a week, that that will soon increase from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. So, consistency is critical. At whatever level you’re at. 

3.What Is It That You Want?

And finally, what is it that you want? 

You might say, well, this is connected with my why, but I would suggest something subtly different. Whatever it is, having that goal in front of you can be a potent motivator to stay honest and consistent with your running.

This is more about your short, medium, and long-term goals for running that you can put in front of you to motivate you to get out there and run. If you are aiming for a race, then consistency must be a key asset. Not perfection. There will be runs that will get missed, to achieve your running goals or race goals your training must be consistent.  Not inconsistent. So, consistency will really help you reach your running goals with better race performance.

By focusing on the process rather than results, you WILL see improvement as you run consistently.